An under-trial prisoner (UTP) died at the Jharpada Special Jail here under mysterious circumstances while a youth hanged himself at the Baripada town police station in Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday, raising concern over the poor security arrangements at the police station and the jail.
Benudhar Jena, a native of Madhupur village in Khordha district, was found dead at the Jharpada jail. He was accused in a murder case and had been brought to the jail in 2011. However, his family alleged foul play behind his death and demanded a probe into it.
He was keeping unwell, suffering from fever for the last few days.
Sources said after Benudhar’s health deteriorated on Monday, he was administered an injection by the jail pharmacist, but he died on Tuesday morning.
The UTP’s death triggered protests by the jail inmates. To prevent any untoward incident, additional police forces were called to manage the situation.
“My uncle suffered from fever for last three days. He was not provided proper treatment, resulting in his death. The jail authorities have killed him,” said Chitaranjan Jena, nephew of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the laxmisagar police started investigation into the cause of the death.
“Investigation is being conducted as per the guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission. Action would be taken against the responsible if found guilty in inquiry,” said Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi, adding that the postmortem process was videographed.
In the other incident, a youth died mysteriously at the Baripada Town police station.
The deceased, identified as Chandan Das of Kalisahi village, had been detained since Monday on theft charges. His body was found hanging in the latrine of the police station.
“He was brought to the police station on Monday evening on charges of theft. He was stable and his mental condition was also normal. He never committed suicide. Police personnel beat him to death,” said Dilip Das, brother of the deceased.
Taking stern action over the custodial death, the Mayurbhanj SP suspended two ASIs, Umesh Nayak, Bibartan lenka and woman Constable Diptirani Padhi of the police station.
Meanwhile, the administration announced Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased out of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
The custodial death created tension in the area.